It happened in Philadelphia, on 10 November 1775. Novembers in Philadelphia can be harsh, and I imagine this one was no different. As the cold autumn breeze swept through the future nation’s de facto capital, the Continental Congress authorized the funding for two battalions of Marines. Marines celebrated, as they still do today, at a tavern. In fact, the first Commandant of the Marine Corps, Captain Samuel Nicholas, set up shop at Tun Tavern. The young Captain appointed the tavern’s proprietor, Robert Mullan, as the first Marine Corps recruiter. I suspect Capt. Mullan ensured that many of the rounds served that night were on the house. Next week, the celebration will continue as Marines around the world celebrate the 234th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
Marines have fought in every major conflict in which the United States has been involved. During First Barbary War (1801-1805), William Eaton and First Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon led an expedition into what is now Libya. When Eaton's forces arrived, on April 27, U.S. Naval vessels bombarded the hostile forces in the city. Eaton grabbed a rifle and yelled "Charge!" He and the Marines scaled the walls of the city while coming under heavy enemy fire. As he scaled the wall, Eaton was injured. He continued, even after he had been shot through the wrist with a musket. By 4 p.m., Eaton's forces had secured the city. It was then that Lt. O'Bannon raised the U.S. flag over Derne. Many historians believe this is the first time the U.S. flag was flown over foreign soil in victory. The young nation had its first victory overseas, and it was the United States Marines who won it.
Marines also served in the War of 1812, most significantly, at the battle of Bladensburg. This battle was a low point for the United States. An American loss here allowed the British to capture and burn Washington D.C. The only bright spot was the heroic actions of the Navy-Marine Corps team, their brave struggle delayed an advancing British army. This delay allowed our government to vacate Washington and continue to direct the war from elsewhere. On that day, 400 sailors and Marines fought the Brits. After the militia retreated, the sailors and Marines fought on. They were armed only with cutlasses and pikes as they struggled to protect Washington D.C. After fighting the Brits for hours, the Americans were finally forced to retreat. Their effort allowed the escape of the president, the first lady, and many historical paintings and artifacts.
By World War I, the Marines were a battle-tested and hardened veteran force . Their first major deployment was at Belleau Woods. This battle is significant for the Marines on many different levels. When they first arrived in theatre, the Marines rushed toward the front. On the way to the battle, they passed large numbers of retreating allied forces. When told that a general retreat was ordered, Capt. Lloyd Williams responded "Retreat? Hell, we just got here.” The war changed on this day. The Germans feared further encounters with the Marines, and rated them to be at least as good as their own storm troopers. They also called the Marines "Teufel Hunden", or Devil Dogs. The nickname stuck, and Marines still refer to each other Devil Dog.
After Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor, the Marine Corps eventually grew to a strength of almost 500,000 and participated in some of the bloodiest battles in history. The Marines victory at Tarawa is thought by many to be the bloodiest battle of the war. Over three days 4,713 enemy troops were killed; 1,001 Americans lost their lives, with an additional 2,296 wounded. In three days the United States took losses that took years to accumulate in Afghanistan, yet our military continued its mission. Politicians did not talk of abandoning our fight and certainly did not speak of the war as being lost. It seems that there are still lessons that could be learned from Tarawa.
The Marines saw further action in Korea, most significantly, the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. A hasty retreat by the 8th U.S. Army left the Marines surrounded, alone and outnumbered 2-1. The First Marine Division fought its way out, all the while inflicting heavy casualties on Chinese forces. Another famous Marine Corps quote comes from this battle. Though disputed as to whether Gen. O.P. Smith actually said it, "Retreat? Hell, we're attacking in a different direction!" has since become part of Marine Corps lore. In the course of the battle, the Marines inflicted such heavy casualties on Chinese forces that entire Chinese divisions had to be withdrawn from the front.
Vietnam saw more action for Marines in places such as Da Nang, Hue City and Khe Sanh. Fifty-Seven Medals of Honor were awarded in Vietnam, but the war took its toll on the Corps. The Marines saw their final action in Vietnam as Saigon fell, valiantly evacuating Americans and foreign nationals as the South Vietnamese Army collapsed. The Marines were amongst the first forces into Vietnam, advising the locals beside other U.S. Forces, and were the very last to leave.
Marines served in all post Cold War operations. I was present for the Persian Gulf War, as Marines helped liberate Kuwait from Iraq. Marines also served in Joint Task Force Sharp Edge, evacuating thousands of British, French and American citizens from a dangerous and unstable Liberia. They fought in Grenada, Panama and Somalia. They helped rescue stranded Air Force Pilot Scott O'Grady in the Balkan conflict. We also lost 220 Marines in a terrorist attack in Lebanon.
The Marines have continued to fight in the Global War on Terrorism. Marines are currently serving in both Afghanistan and Iraq. They are credited with pacifying restless areas of Iraq and spearheaded the push the country. One Marine has even earned the Medal of Honor. In Afghanistan, they also continue to serve. They staged in Uzbekistan almost immediately following the 9/11 attacks. They were the first conventional forces to move into Afghanistan, and continue to operate in support of the Global War on Terror around the world. Marines operate from state of the art naval vessels, like the U.S.S. Wasp. This ship and those like her allow the deployment of Marines from the sea, via Landing Craft Air Cushion hovercraft, or from the air in helicopters. Once the Marines hit the land, they hit it hard. Marine armor uses the same M1A1 tanks as the Army. However, the most dangerous weapon in the Corps ground arsenal is the Marine Rifleman. Armed with an M-16, the best training on earth and his resolute spirit the individual Marine is deeply feared by our enemies.
As Commandant of the local Marine Corps League detachment, I invite you to celebrate with Marines worldwide by lifting your glass and wishing us all a hardy "Happy Birthday, Marines"!
Dienhart is our newest columnist and is the current Commandant of the Marine Corps League's local detachment. He can be reached at George.Dienhart@gmail.com |
